LABOUR group leader Clr Mehboob Khan wants to make Kirklees a "cleaner, greener and safer" place.

He said: "Labour councillors are listening to local people and intend to act on their priorities. We want a safer, cleaner and greener area, improved services for older people, more activity for young people and investment in education.

"Our plans are to be funded by a significant increase in Government grants, savings of £2m on council bureaucracy and a 2.9% council tax rise.

"Our plans are to make our area cleaner, greener and safer, with a £2.44m package to improve everyday services.

"We shall abolish charges for collecting bulky household items and garden waste that have led to a massive increase in fly-tipping. Twenty extra mechanical sweepers will improve cleanliness. All graffiti will be removed and another £1m invested in improving pavements," said Clr Khan.

"The fight against crime will be stepped up by investment in CCTV, an extra 16 police community support officers and neighbourhood wardens.

"We will invest £238m in education and £30.5m on school buildings. We will build eight schools over the next three years. Also, £400,000 will provide more youth clubs and activity for young people. We will freeze the inflation-busting hikes in home and day charges for older people," he added.

"Last year, home care charges were increased by 35% and this has caused hardship for many older people. An investment of £14.2m over the next three years will prevent closure of older people's residential homes and deliver two new council-run homes for older people.

"An additional £2m will speed up adaptations to disabled people's homes and there will be much faster assessment of people's care needs and faster adaptations to disabled people's homes.

"Huddersfield Library building will be saved from demolition with investment of up to £3m. We intend to provide funds for improvements in parks, play areas, crematoria, cemeteries and public conveniences."